New facility for minimally invasive measurements of electrically small antennas

Abstract

Present and emerging wireless communications technologies present measurement and calibration problems that are not adequately catered for by existing facilities. Our aim in this research work is to construct, test and report a new antenna facility for minimally invasive measurements of electrically small antennas. This facility will allow antenna designers and system users to be able to evaluate and calibrate small and smart antennas and will help to remove current technical and commercial barriers that are being caused by a lack of traceability, which leads to measurement discrepancy. The small-antenna test range and electro-optic (EO) transducer employed for this new facility are described and the capability of the EO transducer is explored.